Chinese Chamber changes name to be more inclusive
Carolinas Chinese Chamber of Commerce changes name to ‘Carolinas AAPI Business Alliance’ to promote inclusivity among Asian-owned businesses
The following article appeared in the Jan. 12, 2024, edition of The Charlotte Ledger, an e-newsletter with smart and original local news for Charlotte. We offer free and paid subscription plans. More info here.
Carolinas Chinese Chamber of Commerce, founded in 2011, rebrands as Carolinas AAPI Business Alliance to be more inclusive of all Asian-owned businesses in North and South Carolina
Carolinas AAPI Business Alliance, formerly known as Carolinas Chinese Chamber of Commerce, connects Asian-owned businesses across North and South Carolina to create a network of resources and support. (Photo courtesy of Michael Wang)
by Lindsey Banks
The Carolinas Chinese Chamber of Commerce is renaming itself the Carolinas AAPI Business Alliance to be more inclusive of non-Chinese Asian-owned businesses across North and South Carolina.
“We can be more inclusive and try to build up this type of alliance to combine all the resources for the Asian business community,” said Michael Wang, who serves as president of the business group. “AAPI” stands for Asian American and Pacific Islander.
The Carolinas Chinese Chamber was founded in March 2011 to bring more Chinese businesses to the Carolinas, Wang told The Ledger. Since then, the group has grown from six members to more than 200 member organizations across 20 different industries. It is one of a handful of business organizations based in Charlotte that focuses on promoting and connecting businesses owned by people from different racial and ethnic groups.
There is also an organization called the Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce, which primarily covers the Charlotte region. Wang says the Carolinas AAPI Business Alliance is different in that it covers both North and South Carolina and has a stronger focus on entrepreneurship and empowering businesses. The two groups plan to work together in the future, he said.
The Carolinas AAPI Business Alliance has always been welcoming of all Asian-owned businesses, Wang said, but this rebranding will make it more clear that the group is open to all Asian-owned businesses.
In addition to Chinese-owned businesses, the group has members representing Asian countries including Korea, Malaysia, Japan and Vietnam.
“We need to make sure we are united and make sure our voice can be heard by the different government entities along with the overall business community,” Wang said.
In addition to the new name, the rebranding will come with a new board and additional members to reflect the dynamic of the Asian business community, Wang said. The group will also focus on more outreach and activities to bring in members from all Asian-owned businesses.
The group’s former name — the Carolinas Chinese Chamber of Commerce, which was abbreviated to “CCCC” — also represented the group’s core values: connection, communication, collaboration and compassion. Although the name is changing, Wang said the group will keep encouraging connection, communication, collaboration and compassion among its members.
The business alliance’s next annual meeting on Feb. 24 in Charlotte will be the group’s first meeting since the rebranding, Wang said.
“This is a great thing for Charlotte and Carolinas regions,” he said. “This will be a great addition to the Asian business community. It’s really the people and small business owners that form this chamber.”
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Executive editor: Tony Mecia; Managing editor: Cristina Bolling; Staff writer: Lindsey Banks; Business manager: Brie Chrisman